Media and culture are deeply intertwined in contemporary society.
Religions have problems relating to this media culture, which is shaped by
media processes (mediatization) and conditioned by digital (mass) media
and interactive forms of communication. Media set the agenda and they
profoundly challenge religions, both with respect to their public communication,
and their very existence and public relevance. Moreover, media
themselves involve religious dimensions and have become the religious
"iconofiers" of our world. People increasingly use media for shaping their - religious - identity
and their search with respect to questions of ultimate
meaning.

Barely any theological studies exist that reflect on religious policies -and
their subsequent praxis- in the field of communication.
The author analyzes Christian policy views and identifies the main problems
and opportunities in relating to media culture. She argues the
urgency of genuine dialogue, based on a thorough analysis of the trends
of the global media context as well as recent insights from communication
studies (audience research). She also argues a theological paradigm
shift and the importance of (ethical) involvement by religions in the public
sphere.

Ineke de Feijter is Assistant Professor in the master's program on Media
Religion and Culture at the faculty of Theology and Religion at the Vrije
Universiteit Amsterdam.